Wildlife of Johnstone Strait
Johnstone Strait is home to the largest concentration of killer whales on the east coast of Vancouver Island.
Steller sea lions roam by in the spring and fall and humpback whales are seen throughout the summer months.
Our guides, who are trained biologists, will lead you through this diverse ecosystem in search of orcas,
humpback and minke whales, Dall’s and harbour porpoises, white-sided dolphins, harbour seals, sea lions,
river otters, mink, black bear, bald eagles, marbled murrelets, and migratory songbirds. We will also
spend time exploring the intertidal zone for brilliantly colored sea stars, urchins, anemone, crabs, and
sea cucumbers. Each day will start and end at our comfortable base camp with gourmet meals prepared
by your knowledgeable and talented guides.
» This is a relaxing and enjoyable adventure for anyone with a
passion for wildlife and an interest in casual kayaking and hiking.
It is suitable for all skill levels. No paddling experience is necessary.
General Itinerary
Day 1
Your guides will pick you up from your hotel in Port McNeil and take you to our launch point at
historic Telegraph Cove. After we load gear into the kayaks, we go through a short introduction
to paddling strokes and kayak safety to make sure everyone is comfortable in the kayaks.
Next, we hit the water in search of wildlife! Your guides will lead you across Johnstone
Strait to our base camp on Hanson Island. This is always an excellent opportunity to catch
a glimpse of the many local sea-birds, as well as the chance to look for whales and porpoises.
Once we arrive at camp, you will select your tent platform and create a cozy home for the
next week, while your guides prepare a delicious lunch. After lunch, we have the option
to get back into the boats for another paddle, go for a hike on the Orca Trail, or just
relax at camp. During the late afternoon, there will be appetizers on the beach,
followed by dinner and a discussion of the day’s wildlife sightings. We always end
the day with a discussion of tomorrow’s weather forecast and options for adventure!
Day 2 – 4
Over the next few days, we will continue to explore the flora and fauna of the area afloat
and afoot. Activities will include interpretive hikes and paddles with your biologist guide
as well as ample time for relaxing and exploring around Steller Beach on your own. We
often hike through the forest along the Orca Trail and examine the hundreds of culturally
modified trees that are a testament to thousands of years of indigenous First Nations’
occupation of the islands. The trail also provides breathtaking views of Johnstone
Strait from atop the high bluff, where beautiful ferns, mosses, and lichens cling to
the dry rocky ledges of this rare coastal bluff ecosystem.
Day 5
On your last day at Steller beach, we’ll have breakfast and pack up camp before paddling
back across Johnstone Strait to Blinkforn Peninsula and then Telegraph Cove. We make
landfall in the early afternoon and have lunch together at the Killer Whale Café before
returning you to your hotel or B&B in Port McNeil.
Wildlife
On our Johnstone Strait tour, you may expect to see many different mammal species including
Orca, Humpback and Minke whales, Steller sea lions and harbour seals, Pacific white-sided
dolphins, Dall’s and harbour porpoise, Bald eagles, black bears, mink and river otters. An
incredible variety of intertidal creatures are also present including sea stars, sea urchins,
sea cucumbers, limpets, whelks, crabs, chitons and more. Great balls of herring and jumping
salmon complete this delightful wildlife experience.
Directions
The town of Port McNeill is 462 Km (287
miles) north of Victoria or 194 km (120
miles) north of Campbell River on Provincial
Route 19 N (Inland Island Highway N). So
just take the Inland Island Highway north
and follow the signs to Port McNeill.
More travel and accommodations information for our WIldlife of Johnstone Strait tour.
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